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We have perceived certain people to be certain ways: this one is incompetent, that one is heartless. Over there is the one I hold to be a stubborn bully, and in that corner we have the careless worker. I may also be calling myself all sorts of names: lazy, boring, hopeless. In some manner, I have thought of myself and others as less than acceptable. We cannot change the choices that others make in their own experiences, but we absolutely can, and must, change our thoughts and perceptions about them, as well as about ourselves.
Again: "Forgiveness really means the giving up of something. When you forgive yourself [or others], you cease doing the thing you ought not to do." It is up to me to stop thinking those "less-than" thoughts. It is up to each one of us to become mindful, to observe our thoughts, and then to use our free will to stop doing the things we ought not to be doing. We are each responsible for our own thoughts. When I notice that I am thinking thoughts of unforgiveness, I need to stop. I have the power to forgive sin by stopping doing the things I should not be doing. I have the power to forgive by giving up my error-filled, preconceived thoughts, and thinking differently.
How might this play out in the real world? Perhaps I have an employee or co-worker who seems careless and incompetent. I cringe every time I see them. Every time I notice that reaction in myself, I stop. I breathe. I remind myself that this person is more than what I see. This person has thoughts and feelings and people who love them. I look for something about them to bless. Maybe they have a nice smile. Perhaps they take in rescue dogs. Maybe they wear clean clothes every day. Perhaps the only thing I can find to bless is that they park within the lines of their parking space. I use the tools of mental substitution and increase to shift my mental attitude from one of annoyance and irritation to one of willingness to see Good. I release my habitual pattern of negative focus and use my free will, as well as my abilities of strength, will, and enthusiasm (zeal) to find SOMETHING to bless and I bless that.
At first, this will seem difficult and way more trouble than its worth. The ego-brain will probably shout out, "Why waste all this time and effort on a lazy, careless, incompetent idiot who just makes life more difficult?!"
In that moment, I have another opportunity to forgive: this time, it is the opportunity to forgive myself. The steps remain the same: Stop. Breathe. Remember my free-will choice to transform my thought. I bless myself for my willingness to stand firm in my resolve to do this work, which is my power of Strength. I bless myself for my choice to actually do the work of transformation, which is my power of Will. I bless myself for the motivation to remain excited and enthusiastic about the possibilities inherent in my choice to transform my thought, which is the power of Zeal. I use my power of Life to say, "Yes!" to the process of transformation.
Thank you for your willingness to forgive. Thought by thought, we transform ourselves and our world.
Namaskar (The Divinity within me salutes the Divinity within you)
Rev. Nita
CALLING ALL COMPLETED SURVEYS...
If you haven't yet either filled out a paper survey at church or completed the online survey you recently received, it's time to be getting them back to us. The online survey will close at the end of the month- please let us know your thoughts: movie nights, evening meditation service, and family fun days are all under consideration. Thank you!
Community Outreach Committee
Our July outreach remains Casa de los Ninos. Their most-needed items at this time are: summer clothing, sizes 2t through 6, summer toys, and craft supplies. Please bring in donations by 7/29/2012. Thank you! For more information about this wonderful organization and the services they provide to our community please visit their website.
Continuing Spiritual Enrichment Education classes ...
You are welcome to join any class at any time- credit students are required to have perfect attendance, but non-credit students may enjoy classes on a drop-in basis at any time. Come sample what happens in SEE classes! All are offered on a love-offering basis. If you've got questions, simply reply to this email.
LIFE OF PRAYER
Wednesdays, 7/11 - 8/8
10:30am - 12:30pm or 6:30 - 8:30pm
This course introduces affirmative prayer and Charles Fillmore's teachings regarding prayer. Explore your understanding of Divine Nature and your Divine Identity. Silence, journaling, and upholding intentions can all contribute to a full and satisfying prayer life. Our text is How to Pray Without Talking to God, by Linda Martella-Whitsett
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Saturdays, 7/14 - 8/11
10:00am - 12:00noon
An introduction and exploration of the creation stories found in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures and the guidance they contain for us through metaphysical interpretation. We'll focus on understanding the seven days of creation, as related in the Bible, and the seven steps of the Creative Process, as interpreted by Charles Fillmore.
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